Key Tracks: “Ms. Secrets,” “Love Triangles,” “Pink and Green Keys"

In a world where hip-hop lyrics have become an outlet for rhymes about money, alcohol and bitches, it's nice to know that there is still a bit of sanity left. And when it comes to instrumentatal production, DJ iShine seems to have more prowess than some of the more big-time artists in the game today.

Born Chris Summers, DJ iShine takes a spin at a more classic, Motown vocal styling combined with modern hip-hop/electronic instrumentation on Suite 11: The Registration. Adding instrumental tracks as well as utilizing some relatively unknown vocalists, the release has an eclectic and experimental vibe that is far too uncommon in the hip-hop world.

When it comes to vocals, Summers’s decision to add more unknown singers creates more misses than hits. The best collaboration comes from Jéan P on “Love Triangles,” showing more professional flow than the other vocalists. The song is the best the album has to offer, giving off a more soulful feel with a glitched-out bass interlude.

The misses come from some of the females; their attempts at soulful vocals come off a little awkward when they come down into the lower vocal register.

Lyrically, one of the best lines on the album can be found in “Ms. Secrets,” where the words, “I’m back to money over bitches” ring out. All the songs are simply about feelings for the opposite sex. Now, this may work in minimal forms, but it tends to create a theme. But overall, the album lacks sincere lyrical depth.

When it comes to seducing the opposite sex, “Pink and Green Keys” is the way to go. The song is a straight-up sexy track that has a warm, sensual feeling to it. The R&B feel and harmonic instrumentation gave me the feeling of being on the ocean, with a glass of wine and my dream woman.

The instrumental tracks on the album range from upbeat elevator music (“No Reservations”) to ambient piano (“Mirage”) to R&B (“Paperworks”). These tracks show that Summers focuses on the instrumental side of his music just as much as the vocals.

All in all, Suite 11: The Registration is decent. Summers is able to showcase his production quality as well as give an outlet to some unknown vocalists. While some tracks definitely stand out more than others, it's seems that Summers has a future.